Book suggestions for kids under six...

Yes, yes!  Today is November 25th...one month until Christmas Day... 

I'm making a (book) list and checking it twice...

Some of these book ideas might be just right for the younger kids in your family, too.

Here goes...

1.  The Night Before Christmas by Barbara Reid  

This is the classic poem by Clement C. Moore, freshly illustrated by Barbara Reid.  Just published a few months ago, this sweet version features a mouse family.  Reid's plasticine illustrations are  so appealing.  (Note: If you live in Canada, pop into Superstore.  Yesterday, I picked up my hardcover copy for 40% off the Canadian list price, $19.99.)  If you buy this for someone five or older, you must pick up some plasticine as well.  On Barbara's website, there are multiple links for great little videos showing how she makes her pictures.  

 One of my favourite Canadian author/illustrators, I've often given a copy of Sing a Song of Mother Goose (board book; 14 familiar nursery rhymes) as part of a baby gift.  Welcome, Baby (board book; published in February, 2013) also makes a perfect present  for a new little one.  For a toddler, Zoe's Year is a great conversation starter. This book introduces the concept of the four seasons and all the fun activities a little girl can enjoy.  

2.  Gingerbread Baby and/or Gingerbread Friends by Jan Brett 

Any Jan Brett book would make an ideal book gift for a child under ten.  In addition to these two, her website lists at least seven other Christmas titles.  Wouldn't a Gingerbread House kit go along perfectly with one of these books?

3.  Block City by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Daniel Kirk

A classic poem to go along with some wooden blocks.  No batteries needed!  So many toys on the market today don't encourage imagination or problem solving.  Sometimes simple is best.  I actually have two copies of this title and two boxes of blocks hidden away in my 'stash'.

 If you have the coloured Melissa and Doug blocks, I'd suggest a copy of Changes, Changes by Pat Hutchins.  A wordless picture book, it can be "read" and enjoyed by even the youngest child.  

4.  Last, but not least, consider some CD/book nursery rhymes.  Here are some titles I've tucked away.  All three books come with a CD - perfect for in the car.

*****Nursery  Rhymes (Roger Priddy; board book)

*****A Child's Treasury of Nursery Rhymes  by Kady MacDonald Denton (75 songs, rhymes, and tongue twisters divided into 4 sections: baby, toddler, schoolyard and 'all join in').  I love this illustrator's work.  This copy is softcover and quite large in scale - fine for looking at with your child, but not particularly kid friendly. 

*****Chansons Douces, Chansons Tendres  - rhymes chosen by Henriette Major (simple, sheet music included in addition to the CD)

Happy Reading!

Maggie